Comiskey comfortable

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HAMILTON -- There are two sides to every trade -- and in Dan Comiskey's case, there is a third side.

The Edmonton Eskimos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats pulled off a major trade in April, with Joe Montford heading west and Comiskey coming east.

Montford has delivered seven sacks -- third highest in the league- and constant leadership to the Green and Gold.

Comiskey has delivered stability on a young offensive line for the rebuilding Tiger-Cats.

And for the Comiskey household, the deal has meant precious time for dad with his gutsy and determined premature baby girls -- Lauren and Jane.

"My girls are healthy, I've got my daughters and we are all living in the same place and that is the most important thing," said Comiskey.

But that wasn't the case early this spring.

"We started to get some bad news about Lauren and it started to turn real ugly before it turned better," recalled the 33-year-old Canadian guard, "and it just came down to the choice of either you bet on your daughter living or you don't."

The girls were born nearly 11 weeks premature in southern Ontario on March 2.

For obvious reasons, one month later, Comiskey asked to be traded closer to his daughters.

Fast-forward to today and life is much better.

"They get better every day. They are growing," said Comiskey of the twins.

"Jane is outstanding and we know Lauren is a fighter and she is working with it."

Lauren is suffering from chronic kidney problems, meaning diet and digestion of food could become issues down the road.

"But in terms of her brain and body, aside from her kidneys, she will be just as healthy and as happy as every other child," added dad.

The young girls seem happy watching football.

Due to their premature birth they can't go outside the home very often, so taking them to Ivor Wynne Stadium this fall isn't an option.

"But they do watch on TV and they are going to be addicted," explained Comiskey.

"They enjoy it more than any developmental video. It's kind of comical. I'll watch football games with them and they'll just sit and stare at the T.V."

And Hamilton head coach Greg Marshall likes what he sees from Comiskey on the field, saying that he never brought his troubles to work.

"He is a solid player and solid person. He will be a great part of our football team in 2006."